The key to Oklahoma’s hopes of making the College Football Playoffs is their November schedule.
When calendar flips to November, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves on the cusp of a defining stretch that could make or break their college football playoff aspirations. With a winning record in November, the Sooners have a realistic shot at securing one of the coveted 12 playoff spots. The road to the playoff is challenging, but Oklahoma’s schedule is lined up to provide the perfect proving ground for their postseason ambitions.
Oklahoma opens November at home against Maine, a game that should serve as a tune-up before the real tests begin. The Sooners then embark on a grueling journey, facing two of their final three games on the road. On November 9, they travel to Missouri, followed by a home game against perennial powerhouse Alabama.
The month culminates with a high-stakes clash at LSU on November 30. This stretch is not for the faint of heart, but it presents a golden opportunity for the Sooners to make a statement.
For Oklahoma to remain in contention for the playoff, they need to finish November no worse than 3-1. Achieving this would demonstrate to the selection committee that the Sooners can compete and thrive against top-tier competition.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72235565/usa_today_20146159.0.jpg)
If the Sooners enter November undefeated, somehow, they would have some leeway to lose one or even two of those final three games. However, should they suffer one or two losses before November, a strong finish becomes imperative. The committee will be looking for Oklahoma to rise to the occasion in this season-defining stretch against what should be three straight ranked opponents.
One of Oklahoma’s most potent weapons heading into November is their new air raid offense. This high-octane attack has the potential to be a dynamic force in the SEC, capable of putting up points in a hurry and keeping opposing defenses on their heels. The success of this offense hinges on the performance of the wide receiver corps. If Oklahoma’s receivers can get hot, they could become an unstoppable force, lighting up scoreboards and creating mismatches all over the field.
